INFINITY & BEYOND
Second Solo Exhibition by Jada Imani M
INFINITY & Beyond is more than an homage to Black Women’s creativity and care. Through the literal and metaphorical lens of Jada Imani M, its avant-garde presentation of Black hair acknowledges the scandalous creativity of Black hair artists in her community and the women who proudly fashion these hairstyles. The Black Hair Show, a cultural tradition within the African American community that often operates outside of the white gaze, is honored through this presentation of images.
INFINITY showcases portraits of various Black women in hairstyles that represent and amplify Black hair culture. My desire to begin this body of work started from my childhood when I viewed hair magazines at the salon my mother worked at. Intentionally, I began this project by photographing it on film. Film is personal and feels larger than life. I knew medium format film was the perfect medium for the still images. The goal of this project is to show Black women as the originators of these styles and how they have transcended time. We see our styles in mainstream media, but we do not always get the credit we deserve. Black hair stylists are artists themselves, and so much more. They are our mothers, sisters, cousins, friends, and even our therapists.
VIP OPENING RECEPTION
2100 L ST NW - THADDEUS STEVENS SCHOOL (IN PARTNERSHIP W/ AKRIDGE)
ARTIST BIO
“Growing up with a mother who is a cosmetologist, I had the privilege of spending time in salons she worked at when I was a child. There were multiple Black hair stylists in the salon whom specialized in different styles. Hairstyles ranged from short cuts, pin ups, braids/twists, press n curls, crimps, and more. These styles were common especially in the 90s and early 2000s. My favorite part of growing up in the salon was viewing the various hair magazines; Black Hair, Hype Hair, and others where you could choose a hairstyle you wanted. These styles are still prevalent today in Black culture.” - Jada Imani
